Compression stockings
Compression stockings and stockings are one of the ways to establish a full-fledged work of the venous system, as well as the system of muscle fibers. Since they are classified as medical underwear, the choice of compression stockings should be treated very carefully. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right socks and stockings, and how to care for them.
Features and Benefits
The main advantage of compression stockings is how they affect our body. These stockings can help with the problem of swelling of the legs and other more serious issues. External pressure can significantly reduce the diameter of dilated veins.
High-quality compression stockings are designed in such a way that the pressure is just on the problem areas. Compression gradually decreases closer to the gum, which means that the blood moves in the right direction, that is, towards the heart.
Compression classes
Stockings of this type are divided into three classes according to the degree of compression.Be sure to select a model with the correct compression class so that the treatment procedure takes place in the right way.
1 class
Stockings of the first class of compression are usually recommended for those who need the prevention of any disease. If you are genetically predisposed to varicose veins, spend a lot of time driving a car or working at a desk, then you should consider buying compression stockings that will prevent the development of any serious diseases.
In order to buy compression stockings, it is not necessary to consult a doctor. You can consult with the seller at the pharmacy, or choose the appropriate option yourself.
Grade 2
Compression stockings of the second class are advised to wear with varicose veins or venous insufficiency. Also, these stockings are often recommended for pregnant women who experience leg swelling.
If we talk about stockings of the second and third degrees of compression, they should not be chosen independently. It is better to consult a doctor so as not to harm yourself.
3rd grade
Stockings with a third degree of compression are worn by those who have experienced a complex operation or an open fracture of the lower limb.
Indications and contraindications
With varicose veins
Most often, compression stockings are used for varicose veins. It is not recommended to pick them up on your own, as well as self-medicate, ignoring other means of getting rid of this disease.
For caesarean section
Before a caesarean section, doctors often recommend that their patients buy a pair of compression stockings. They prevent the formation of blood clots during anesthesia, so buying them is definitely worth it.
Antiembolic
The next option is anti-embolic stockings.They are made from hospital stock. The purpose of wearing such stockings is to stabilize the outflow of blood. Wearing such stockings is recommended for those who are immobilized for a long time. For example, patients who have been in bed rest for more than four days, patients in intensive care or the intensive care unit.
How to choose
How to determine size
You can choose your stocking size by measuring your leg in a supine position. It is necessary to measure the ankle, foot, shin, the area in the knee and thigh area. As a rule, it is impossible to do this on your own, so entrust it to loved ones or medical professionals.
How to choose quality stockings
The choice of high-quality stockings in many respects directly depends on what material they are sewn from. As a rule, high-quality compression stockings are quite expensive. In order not to waste money, buy products only from trusted brands, which will be discussed a little later.
How to wear and dress
dressing device
Due to the high percentage of elastane in the composition of compression underwear, it is quite difficult to put on. To facilitate the process of putting on stockings, you can buy a special device called a butler. It is used to pull a stocking or golf over it and stick your leg in there. After you pull out the butler, the stocking will remain on the leg. Such a device is recommended for those who, due to excess weight or health problems, are not able to cope with putting on stockings on their own.
How to wear
But it is not enough to put on stockings correctly, you also need to walk in them correctly. To prevent the knees from stretching out in compression underwear, it is not recommended to squat a lot in it.Be sure to trim your fingernails and toenails so that your stockings don't get snags after contact with your manicure. And so that the heels do not rub, wear thin socks over the stockings.
Is it possible to sleep
Compression underwear is recommended to be worn only during the day. Of course, if you fall asleep in it, nothing terrible will happen. But the essence of underwear is to relieve the valves of the veins from the additional load that is absent during a restful sleep.
But all this is true for stockings of the first and second compression classes. If you have more serious diseases, then it is better to discuss this issue with your doctor. Often the attending physician himself specifies that compression underwear must be worn around the clock.
How to care
Compression stockings should be changed and washed regularly. Compression stockings are very thin and should be washed with care. Use gentle washing powders and be sure to rinse your stockings in clean water. Do not twist or wring out the compression garment after washing, as this can ruin the fine structure of the fibers.
Length
Compression stockings and short stockings differ in length. It is worth choosing them, of course, not according to their external attractiveness, but according to which part of the leg the symptoms of your illness are located.
Thigh
Compression stockings reach the thigh and are sometimes fastened with a special belt at the waist. If blood clots are localized in the upper part of the leg, then you cannot do without stockings.
up to the knee
But if the problem areas are below your knees, then it is quite possible to get by with short golfs.
Brand Overview
Medi
The Medi brand is one of the largest companies in the development of compression stockings. The Medi brand is truly a guarantee of quality.Products from Medi can be attributed to the middle price category. At the same time, customer reviews are mostly positive.
Venoteks
Cheaper compression stockings can be found at the American brand Venotex. But this does not mean that they are somehow worse than their German counterparts. The products of this company are certified, which indicates its quality.
Mediven
High-quality compression stockings are also produced by the Mediven brand. The difference between the products of this brand is that natural linen fibers can be found in the stockings.
Relaxan
Another company tested by time and many consumers is Relaxan. This Italian brand is in the top three most popular manufacturers of compression underwear along with Medi and Venatex.
Ergoform
Ergoforma provides customers with a wide range of stockings and stockings in different colors and compression levels. Good quality and low prices allow this brand to be popular among a wide range of consumers.
How much are
The price of compression stockings is usually quite high. But, since it’s not worth saving on health, it’s better to still pay the requested amount for a quality thing than to get an ineffective fake. The high price of compression socks and stockings is usually a guarantee that the knitwear will be really good. In order not to spend money on poor quality, refer to the brands described above. Depending on the company, quality and degree of compression, new stockings will cost you from a thousand to ten or more thousand rubles.
Reviews
The need to buy compression stockings, as a rule, is fully justified.In combination with other methods of treatment and prevention of the disease, compression underwear really helps to cope with many problems.
Buyers in practice confirm that it is necessary to pay attention to the little things and choose stockings that will fit you well, providing the desired effect. Tight-fitting stockings, as practice shows, are worth buying along with a butler, which will facilitate the process of dressing them.
Interesting models
In compression stockings, it is not their original appearance that is important, but their functionality. The most common option is classic stockings. In their appearance, they practically do not differ from ordinary knitted stockings.
There are also models on a silicone wide elastic band. Located on the inside of the stockings, the elastic band helps them stay on their feet while walking. An alternative to such stockings are products attached to the belt.
And for people with large feet, the creators of compression stockings prudently came up with a model with an open cape.
Choose the stockings that suit you, following the recommendations of experts, and do not neglect your health.